City of Cleveland Launches ‘Safe Summer 2017’

CLEVELAND – Mayor Frank G. Jackson today announced a series of efforts to help Cleveland residents, especially youth, enjoy a safer summer. Today’s announcement aligns with the City’s outdoor pool season and unveiling of the newly renovated Greenwood Park in Ohio City. ‘Safe Summer 2017’ is part of the mayor’s Healthy Neighborhoods Initiative, a series of legislation and programs aimed at improving City neighborhoods. View the announcement.

“Thanks to the citizens of Cleveland for passing Issue 32,” said Mayor Jackson. “Because of the enhanced budget we are able to keep pools open this summer and keep kids engaged in the recreation centers with expanded activities. Remember to have a safe summer and enjoy all the activities in your neighborhood.”

Improvements to Greenwood Park

The $330,000 Greenwood Park renovation features a new playground with swings, drinking fountain, benches, skateboard area and refurbished basketball courts. Twelve new trees have been planted as well as significant fencing repairs and the removal of tall perimeter fences. Including the Greenwood Park pool, all of the city's outdoor pools opened today for the summer season.

Cleveland Division of Police “Let’s Chill Together” Ice Cream Truck

The City and the Division of Police are also launching a new partnership with Pierre’s Ice Cream to create a fun neighborhood ice cream truck. The “Let’s Chill Together” truck is staffed entirely by Cleveland police officers, as part of the City’s community policing efforts. Traveling throughout the city, the truck will be seen at local recreation centers and various summer events. Pierre’s has donated 10,000 units of ice cream to assist with the initiative.

Summer Safety

The Divisions of Police, Emergency Medical Service and Fire are offering additional educational material throughout the recreation centers. Materials such as the “Safe Summer Pledge” promote safety, health and well-being among Cleveland youth. Also, the City’s outdoor pools and recreation centers will be patrolled by police officers during open hours. Additional tips, including ways for seniors to stay cool during the warmer months, and tips on dog and animal safety will also be available.

Recreation Centers

The City’s recreation centers launch several programs for children and adults during the summer. Key programs include the Playground Program, Summer Lunch Program and Summer Camp. The program is similar to those offered in City schools. Free lunches are offered to children age 18 and under Monday-Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.

The City is also launching its summer camp program at Camp Forbes. The camp is for ages 9-13 and accommodates 100 children per week. The City’s summer playground program includes 26 staffed playgrounds where staff offer activities to help children ‘get up and go.’ Playgrounds open at 9:30 a.m. and close at 5:00 p.m. View a list of all the staffed playgrounds.

Additional summer activities include organized sports, performance arts, ice skating, and more. Activities are designed for participants from young children to seniors. Cleveland recreation centers are open weekdays from 11:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturdays 9:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Several recreation centers will have extended summer hours. Detailed information on activities is available.

The City of Cleveland also has several summer volunteer opportunities at its recreation centers. Volunteers enrich the community in several areas including the arts, sports, education, and mentoring. Potential volunteers are asked to apply in person at the recreation center of their choice. The center will work with each participant to familiarize them with the center and requirements of the position. View information on volunteer opportunities.

Residents are encouraged to take pictures with the ‘Let’s Chill Together’’ ice cream truck and tag the City of Cleveland on social media using #LetsChillCLE. Photos will be entered into a contest for a free lunch at City Hall with Mayor Jackson. Contest starts June 10. Valid entries must be from a resident of the City of Cleveland. Follow all of the City’s summer activities on social media using #SafeSummerCLE.

About the City of Cleveland

The City of Cleveland is committed to improving the quality of life of its residents by strengthening neighborhoods, delivering superior services, embracing diversity and making Cleveland a desirable, safe city in which to live, work, play, and do business. For more information on the City of Cleveland, visit online at www.city.cleveland.oh.us, Twitter at @cityofcleveland or Facebook at www.facebook.com/cityofcleveland.

We are committed to improving the quality of life in the City of Cleveland by strengthening our neighborhoods, delivering superior services, embracing the diversity of our citizens, and making Cleveland a desirable, safe city in which to live, work, raise a family, shop, study, play and grow old.